Free calculator
Sand cone density calculator
Enter the sand bulk density, the sand needed to fill the cone, the apparatus masses before and after, the wet soil mass and moisture. Add the maximum dry density if you want percent compaction.
By ProofGrit Editorial TeamLast reviewed:
Results update as you typeUnits: lb, pcf, ft³, %Runs in your browser. Nothing is saved.
Key takeaways
- Always subtract the calibrated cone mass.
- The sand bulk density sets the hole volume; recalibrate when the sand changes.
- Add MDD to get percent compaction.
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How it's calculated
How is the result calculated?
Sand in hole = (initial − final) − cone; hole volume = sand in hole ÷ sand density; wet = soil ÷ volume; dry = wet ÷ (1 + w/100).
- 01Sand in hole = (initial mass − final mass) − sand needed to fill the cone
- 02Hole volume = sand in hole ÷ bulk density of sand
- 03Wet density = wet soil mass ÷ hole volume
- 04Dry density = wet density ÷ (1 + w/100)
- 05% compaction = dry density ÷ MDD × 100, when MDD is entered
Rounding: densities to 0.1 pcf, moisture and compaction to 0.1 %. Full precision is kept between steps, and pass/fail uses the displayed value.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the sand cone calculator
Why subtract the cone mass?
Part of the sand that leaves the jar fills the cone, not the hole. Subtracting the calibrated cone mass leaves only the sand that filled the hole.
Where does the sand bulk density come from?
From calibrating the sand you use. Recalibrate when you change sand, because the value directly sets the hole volume.
Is the maximum dry density required?
No. Without it you still get hole volume, wet density and dry density. Add it to see percent compaction.
What if the result says sand in the hole must exceed zero?
The final mass plus the cone mass is equal to or more than the initial mass. Check the readings and the cone value.
Related guides and pages
- Sand cone test: ASTM D1556 procedure and calculationsHow the sand cone field density test works, the four-step calculation from sand in the hole to dry density, and the habits that keep results repeatable.
- Nuclear density test: field compaction with ASTM D6938How the nuclear gauge test works, the dry density and percent compaction math, the daily standard count check, and the mistakes that cause retests.
- The Proctor test: how it works and how to read the curveWhat a Proctor test measures, how each compaction point is calculated, how the curve gives MDD and OMC, and how the zero air voids line keeps you honest.
- Soil testing softwareHow ProofGrit handles this test in the lab.
- Standards indexEvery standard explained on this site, with plain-English purpose.
More free calculators
Sources and further reading
- ASTM D1556/D1556M, density of soil in place by the sand-cone methodASTM International
- ASTM D2216, laboratory water (moisture) content of soil and rock by massASTM International
- ASTM D698, laboratory compaction using standard effortASTM International
Standards are summarized in our own words. Read the current edition from the publisher before you test.
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